Best Places to visit in the East Coast of Davao Oriental

 Davao Oriental is one of the beautiful provinces in the Davao Region that is blessed with world-class Tourist attractions and stunning places, so it is known as the Wonders of Paradise. Davao Oriental is divided into two (2) political districts; the west coast fronting Davao gulf and Celebes sea, and; the East Coast is fronting the  Pacific Ocean. Davao Oriental relies on an agricultural-based economy, which mainly produces rice, lumber, and root crops. 

In 2002, when the east coast of  Davao Oriental was devastated by category 5 by typhoon Pablo that destroys major parts of the town; many families lose their homes, livelihoods, and tourism attractions.

But people don’t lose their hopes, strained to recover and rise up from the devastations in years. In fact, even the local tourism industry opens new doors in promoting their magnificent natural Wonders that could be considered as a world-class spot. Planning your next long drive around? Here are the most exciting places on the gems East Coast of Davao Oriental.

1. Pusan Point

(Caraga, Davao Oriental)

Pusan Point is located in Barangay San Isidro, Caraga in Davao Oriental. Pusan Point became a historical venue catching the perfect glimpse of the First Millennium Sunrise in the year 2000. Today, Pusan point has been developed as one of Davao Oriental’s landmarks that offers stunning landscapes through the Provincial Government initiative.

2. San Salvador Del Mundo church

(Caraga, Davao Oriental)

San Salvador Del Mundo  Church is one of the oldest churches in the Davao Region recognized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). The church is dedicated to Salvador Del Mundo (Christ, the Saviour of the World) was built in the 1800 century made with wood, limestone block, corals, and stone that served as a mission station of Spanish missionaries to extend Christianity in the Eastern part of Mindanao.

3. Curtain Waterfalls

(Baganga, Davao Oriental)

Curtain waterfalls are located in the small town of Baganga, Davao Oriental; it is a 51-kilometer drive from the center of Caraga town. Curtain waterfalls have in common with Tinuy-an waterfall in Bislig City in the forms, but the trekking and accessibility are a little bit interesting. To get at the main locations, rough road experiences will be replaced by speechless and inexplicable glimpses of sceneries felt like in the other dimension of the world.

4. San Victor Island

(Baganga, Davao Oriental)

While in the town of Baganga, why should try to experience Island hopping at San Victor Island? It is considered as one of the best small Islands in the Davao Region, which is not so crowded and tourists are very seldom except the locals. San Victor features white fine sand, small cottages, and a function hall. A short ride a Bangka (native boat) for P50 pesos per person to the island and Pay P30 pesos for Environmental fee. Get an overnight stay for just 1, 800 pesos, or putting up your own tent is a bit cheaper.  

5. Lake Carolina

(Baganga, Davao Oriental)

Another interesting spot in Baganga that should not miss is Lake Carolina in Barangay Salingcomot. The local tourist says that Lake Carolina is likened to Enchanted River where both features crystal clear water looks and inviting more visitors to fall in love with its beauty. This place is truly the best spot to get out of stress. Except for that, the Entrance fee is only P5 pesos; means that will enjoy the whole day without breaking the budget

6. Balite Hot Spring

(Baganga, Davao Oriental)

Balite Hot Spring is a private resort located in Barangay Kinablangan; just along the highway taking Baganga - Cateel road. Hot Spring has surprising benefits for health, the best solution for stress relief,  relaxation, and meditation. Local folks believed that Hot spring waters could help treatment of skin disease, digestions, constipation, liver malfunctions, and gout.

7. Aliwagwag Waterfalls

(Cateel, Davao Oriental)

Aliwagwag Falls is a gigantic waterfall revealing 84 falls which can be likened to stairways to heaven. It is considered as one of the best and the highest waterfalls in the entire Philippines with a total of 340 meters high and a width of 20 meters. Connects 13 rapids to cross most of which are seen in the forests up to the foot and 136 steps waterfalls pour downward rapidly throughout rock formations.

Looking for Extreme Activities? Well, these places may be for. Aside from the awe-inspiring view, Aliwagwag  Eco-Tourism parks offer outbound Activities, Picnic Area and Canteen. A length of 680 meters zip-line will levitate you to the ground with an overlooking view of Cateel Protected Landscapes. Experience the monkey bridge that brings you closer to the waterfall threshold.  Have a soothing water experience in the Swimming Area and; hanging bridges which will serve your way to exploring the whole park

8. Mahoc Beach

(Baganga-Cateel Boundary)

Mahoc beach is not so famous to many but very familiar to the locals. It is located right beside the passing Cateel -Baganga national road. The beach line represents creamy white sand stretch, beautiful coral rock formations, and pacific blue oceans waters. Most travelers opted here to rest and relax during a long travel journey.  

HOW TO GET THERE:

If you’re from Manila or Cebu, the closest airport is Davao City and Butuan City. Flights are available on a daily basis. 

FROM DAVAO CITY (Via Mati City)

Bus stop at the front of Jose Maria College (beside airport Exit). Catch up BUS (Bachelor Express) or; VAN bound for Cateel or Boston via Mati City (More Accessible). Bus normally stopover in Mati City for a break. Then, stop at your first destination. Available means of transportation in most Davao Oriental covering town is to reach all attractions by motorcycle.

FROM BUTUAN CITY

There is no direct Bus to take you to Baganga but you may use 305 kilometers of Butuan - Bislig - Cateel Road for Private Vehicle. The road is fully concreted and passable to all vehicles.

For commuters from Butuan, you can take this route;

Catch up BUS or; VAN from Butuan bound to Davao city at Butuan City Terminal (usually leaving every 45 minutes). Then, get off to Tagum City Bus Terminal. Transfer Bus (Bachelor Express) or;  Van bound for Cateel or Boston. Then, stop at your first destination. Available means of transportation in most Davao Oriental covering town is to reach all attractions by motorcycle.

ENJOY YOUR STAY

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